Partially Lit T-Bar Ceiling Grid Lighting Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing T-bar systems for suspended ceilings lack flexibility in lighting configurations, as they primarily provide linear lighting perpendicular to long T-bars, limiting the ability to create various lighting patterns and failing to offer options for both functional and aesthetic purposes.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of partially lighted T-bars, which have a lower leg with only half the length fitted with LED lights, allowing for customizable lighting patterns by positioning the lit portion as desired within the grid ceiling system, along with fully lighted and unlit T-bars of different lengths to create a wide range of lighting arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If fully lighted T-bars are used throughout the ceiling grid, then uniform lighting coverage is achieved, but energy consumption increases and design flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting coverageVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The T-bar system is segmented into different lighting types (fully lighted, partially lighted, and unlit T-bars), allowing selective application of lighting only where needed rather than uniformly across the entire ceiling grid, thus reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining necessary illumination coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the ceiling grid are assigned different lighting qualities based on functional requirements - some areas receive full lighting, others receive partial lighting, and some remain unlit, optimizing energy usage by matching illumination intensity to local needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If only linear lighting perpendicular to long T-bars is provided, then installation is simplified, but lighting pattern flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidlighting pattern flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into modular T-bar segments that can be independently configured in different orientations and patterns, enabling complex lighting designs while maintaining simple individual component installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The T-bar system is designed to serve multiple lighting configuration functions - it can create linear patterns, grid patterns, accent lighting, and emergency lighting paths - using the same basic T-bar components, thus achieving versatility without complicating the fundamental installation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If T-bars are configured for fixed lighting patterns, then manufacturing is simplified, but reconfiguration capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidreconfiguration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where T-bars can be easily added, removed, or repositioned to adapt to changing lighting requirements over time, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution provides maximum lighting flexibility, enabling the creation of various lighting patterns, including emergency lighting and visually appealing designs, while minimizing energy usage and allowing for easy installation and reconfiguration of the lighting system.

Implementation Method 1

LED lights are located within the lower leg

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

the upper leg of the T-bar is configured to include heat transfer fins so that heat can be effectively dissipated away from the LEDs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

heat can be effectively dissipated away from the LEDs and outside of an air conditioned space below the suspended ceiling and into the utility space above the suspended ceiling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11530809B2Partially lighted T-bar

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 JLC TECH IP LLC

AI summary

The partially lit T-bar includes a spine with a rest shelf at a lower portion thereof. The rest shelf supports adjacent ceiling tiles. The under surface of the rest shelf includes a lighting module on a portion and a plain unlit undersurface on other portions. Additional T-bars which are shorter, and typically fully lit or fully unlit and half the length of the partially lit T-bar are also provided which can attach at ends or near a midpoint of the partially lit T-bar and typically perpendicularly thereto. A great variety of lighting patterns in a dropped ceiling is thus facilitated. Each of the T-bars preferably also includes a heat sink on an upper portion of the spine and also preferably a lower heat sink on an upper portion of the rest shelf. Heat associated with the light element of the T-bar can thus be drawn away from a space below the ceiling.